Where Were You on 9/11? Where Are We Now?

As we pause to remember the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attack upon our country on Sept. 11, 2001, a frequent question we ask one another is, “Where were you that morning?”  Today is also a time to pause and ask how such a terrible deed could have been committed.

Personally, I can find no material explanation for either this terrible assault.  There is only a spiritual explanation, one that is rooted in the heart of every one of us, and if left to itself, can arise from the dark pit of our sinful nature and run free to commit the most heinous acts against a holy God and His creation, especially His image bearers, our fellow human beings.

The anniversary of 9/11 is also a reminder of how America became more united as a result of our fear in the face of this terrific act against humanity.  Americans were also united in our shared compassion for those families who were bereaved of loved ones who perished that day.  Even partisan political differences were seemingly laid aside.  Members of Congress from both parties gathered on the steps of our Capitol to share their thoughts and sing our National Anthem [Watch video HERE].  Many of our national leaders gave testimony of their faith and urged us to pray for His intervention on behalf of our nation.

If there is only a spiritual explanation for the good and the evil that humans think and commit, then there remains only a spiritual remedy.  We must fall to the ground in humble repentance. Just as a seed that must fall to the earth and die in order to rise again and bear fruit, so God calls us to die to self.  In so doing, we can rise in the power of God's resurrection Life, walk with Christ in the light of His truth, and bear the fruit of His amazing love-- a love for God, and for our neighbor regardless of our unique personalities and preferences.

A Prayer from Psalm 130*

Out of the depths [We] cry to You, O LORD!
O Lord, hear [our] voice;
let Your ears be attentive to [our] plea for mercy.
If You, O LORD, should mark our iniquities,
then who, O Lord, could stand?
But with You there is forgiveness,
so that You may be feared.
[We] wait for the LORD, [our] soul does wait,
and in His Word [we] put [our] hope.
    * Adapted as an intercession for America and for each of us.

Call to Respond

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.  For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.  -- Romans 12: 1-3

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